Sowerby murder victim named - suspect still in hospital

Police have released the name of the woman stabbed to death in Sowerby on Wednesday.

Mahala Rhodes, 42, died of a single stab wound to the chest at a house Rooley Heights.

Police have launched a murder investifation after a woman was fatally stabbed at a house on Rooley Heights, Sowerby

Police are still appealing for witnesses following the incident which happened at 5.52pm.

A 44-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remains in hospital under police guard. He also suffered stab wounds in the incident,

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Snow, from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are continuing enquiries into the murder of Miss Rhodes today and are in a position to now name her and release a picture.

“A post mortem has confirmed she died from a single stab wound to the chest and a 44-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains detained in hospital under police guard.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are awaiting for an opportunity to interview the 44-year-old once he is well enough.

“I would again re-iterate that while we are not seeing anyone else in connection with Miss Rhodes’ murder we continue to appeal for witnesses.”

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to Miss Rhodes.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “She was a very quiet, nice woman and kept herself to herself. I would often see her when she was dropping off her children at school.”

A local business owner said her death came as a big shock for the community and was given goose bumps when hearing the news.

“I used to see her walk up and down and she would always smile through the window. Everyone is talking about what has happened,” she added.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 and quoting crime reference number 1167 of 6 May